Press Releases
Aug
Boracay Kitesurfing Essential Information – Updated 2017.
Boracay kitesurfing, one of the sporting wonders of the world! And we’re going to tell you exactly why you can’t miss out on this windy and watery experience of a lifetime. Boracay is known for many bountiful features: dreamy white beaches, clear blue waters, all night parties, and picture perfect sunsets. To name but a few. However, one of the aquatic wonders that gets overlooked is the Boracay kitesurfing scene. As easy as it may be to kick off the flip-flops, throw some Mano Le Tough on the speakers, and laze the day away sunbathing, with Poseidon’s favourite playground on your doorstep you would be foolish not to take to the waters. After all – “You’ve got to kite, for your right, to party”. Always trust the Beastie Boys. Here we have it… Our aquatic princes and princesses have been tearing up the waves all year round and have uncovered all you need to know about the Boracay kitesurfing scene. So why is the Boracay kitesurfing scene blowing the minds of mermaids, scuba divers, and all those lucky enough to venture into the Philippine aquatic abyss? There are actually a whole bundle of reasons why travelers and kitesurfers of all ages, stages, and wages make their way to the Philippines for a dose of Boracay kitesurfing. This snapshot below only begins to paint the picture of what the Boracay kitesurfing spots have in store for you… Image courtesy of Kiteclass Boracay Kitesurfing: Why Boracay Is One Of The World’s Best The climate in Boracay is impeccable for the sport. Crystal clear waters, tranquil days all year round, and some very reliable winds. Winds are of course crucial to the kitesurfing experience. The average kiteboarder will be looking for about 12mph winds to get up and riding. During the peak season, Boracay benefits from very consistent 15mph to 26mph side shore and side-on shore winds, and has pools of very flat water; making it the perfect place for kitesurfers of all abilities. Side shore or side-on shore winds are by far the safest winds for kitesurfing. Direct on shore winds may leave you clinging to a palm tree, while offshore winds could blow you out to sea with Captain Jack Sparrow. There’s no two way about it… If there had ever been a super secret Weather Forecasters Summit, it’s evident that there was a unanimous vote to elect Boracay as kitesurfing capital of the world. So, the Boracay weather is perfect for kitesurfing. Big tick. Next, there’s also a whole host of extremely good kitesurfing schools and experiences to choose from, which we’ll take you through later. Furthermore, regardless of the kitesurfing, Boracay is an incredibly beautiful place that comes with endless aesthetic epiphanies and tons of alternative activities for those of you looking to try something different. Last, and certainly not least, the local community on Boracay is incredibly welcoming and friendly. You’ll feel part of the family from the moment you step onto the island. Win-Win-Win-Win. Okay, so to recap, that’s flawless weather, perfect facilities, endless experiences, and an island full of friendly faces. We’d call that Boracay kitesurfing o’clock… Boracay Kitesurfing Season: Dry Season (November to May) If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines specifically for a stint of Boracay kitesurfing, we’d advise trying to be on the island during the Dry Season (November to May). This is when best Boracay kitesurfing action goes down, on both Bulabog Beach and Union Beach. These beaches are situated on the East side of the island, which benefits from a very consistent collection of winds coming to shore at speeds…
May
Your Ultimate List of Unforgettable Things To Do In The Philippines
Backpacking in the Philippines can seem like a daunting task. Not only are there 7,107 islands to choose from (yep, you read that right), but each one is stunning and unique in its own right. Plus, there’s so many fun things to do in the Philippines! Where’s a backpacker to begin? The good news is we’ll soon have 3 Mad Monkey hostels to choose from throughout these 7,107 islands. That’s your accommodation sorted, and now we can show you all the best things to do in the Philippines – your decision just got that little bit easier!! From surfing to yoga, scuba diving to hiking, caving to paddleboarding to snorkeling… The Philippines could turn into your most active stop-off yet as you backpack Southeast Asia. It’s the perfect destination to explore after a boozy few weeks on the road, but that doesn’t mean the party ends here! We’ve put together a list of the ultimate things to do in the Philippines for you – the fun-loving, curious, adventurous backpacker. You can easily experience all of these items whilst staying with us at Mad Monkey! Our Boracay, Nacpan and El Nido hostels are situated in locations which will allow you to experience a huge variety of the attractions that the Philippines has to offer backpackers. All of this, and our suggestions still leave you lots of time to party. Ideal, really. Things To Do In The Philippines – Party in Boracay Boracay is notorious for its all-night party scene. It’s a no-brainer stop-off for any Monkeys travelling out this direction. For crazy, all-day-all-night hostel or beach parties with a solid crew of locals and fellow international backpackers, Boracay is the place to be. The party always gets started at Mad Monkey Boracay, usually from first thing in the morning…but join in whenever you fancy it! Eventually we’ll all hit the town together – Boracay’s main strip of bars and restaurants is just a 5-minute walk away. Where’s the party at, you ask? Exit Bar and Epic rank among the top recommended haunts for backpackers after an all-day session by the pool! Area 51 specializes in Full Moon Parties. They only open their doors according to the moon phases and for other exclusive/special events. If you happen to get your timing right, this is one of the most unique things to do in the Philippines for party animals. Check your dates accordingly! Bulabog Beach is also nearby if you’d prefer a chilled out evening or sunset stroll. However, be aware that parties in Boracay don’t do half-measures, and are always likely to end down on White Beach! For more info on the pulsing nightlife of Boracay, check out: Boracay Nightlife Guide by Boracay Compass Things To Do In The Philippines – Kitesurf on Bulabog Beach The title of Number 1 Kitesurfing Beach in Asia comes with high expectations, yet Bulabog Beach does not disappoint. A hotspot for watersports of all kinds, Bulabog is the place to be if you’d like to try out a new skill or simply observe the carnival-like atmosphere of multi-coloured sails and parasails casually scattering the horizon. Between November and April (Habagat Season) kitesurfers from all over the world descend on this small stretch of land to make the most of the prevailing winds. Beginners need not fear, however, as there are plenty of schools along the beach (like Freestyle Boracay) offering lessons to all levels! Between this and SUPing (Stand-Up Paddleboarding), it’s the perfect thing to do in the Philippines. Get active, and spend an afternoon soaking up the sun and the sea on a…
Oct
Palawan, Philippines: The Complete Travel Guide
Image courtesy of onlinetravelconsultant.com Palawan, Philippines: The Complete Travel Guide Palawan is an island in the Philippines. A gorgeous, tropical island. When you look at a map of the Philippines, you’ll see the main clump of islands in the middle. To the southwest, you will see Palawan jutting off diagonally. This unusual sight on the map is also a must-see destination in person! What is Palawan? Palawan Province is an archipelago that consists of 1,700 islands. It is bound on either side by the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. It is also the largest province in the Philippines with a coastline of about 2,000 km. Palawan has been dubbed as “the most exotic place on Earth” because of its pristine beaches, towering mountains, lush rainforests, and impressive limestone forests. Palawan is made up of 431 barangays (villages or districts) in 23 municipalities and the capital city of Puerto Princesa. It has one of the richest fishing grounds in the country, providing 45% of Manila’s fish supply. It is also the only oil-producing province in the country with natural gas reserves of approximately 30,000 trillion cubic feet. One thing Palawan is famous for is Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, the second longest subterranean river in the world. It’s nearly 5 miles long! The underground river has one of the world’s most impressive cave systems, full of limestone karst landscapes, old-growth forests, and a distinctive array of wildlife. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. In 2014, Palawan claimed the top spot in Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for the world’s best natural wonders. The People of Palawan Image courtesy of wikipedia The population of Palawan, including Puerto Princesa, is about one million based on the 2010 census. Palawan is the largest province in the Philippines and home to several indigenous ethno-linguistic groups. These are the Kagayanen, Tagbanua, Palawano, Taaw’t Bato, Molbog and the Batak tribes. Most of the members of these groups live in remote villages in the mountains and coastal areas. In 1962 a team of anthropologists unearthed a set of fossils at Lipuun Point in Quezon town, Palawan. The fossils are believed to be a Homo Sapiens specimen between 22,000 and 24,000 years old! He’s been nicknamed “the Tabon Man”. This and other findings in the area (like burial jars, stone tools, and jade jewelry) have earned Palawan the title “the Cradle of Philippine Civilization.” Researchers think that the Tagbanua and Palawano tribes are possible descendants of the Tabon Caves’ inhabitants. Fast forward to today, and Palawan is home to migrants from all over the Philippines. Native-born Palaweños dominate the populace, though. Cultural minority groups (like the Tagbanua, Palawano, Batak, and Molbog tribes) also account for 18% of the island’s population. Palawan is host to a mix of religions. Roman Catholicism has a slim majority among the population, but other Christian denominations like the Baptists and Protestant churches are also present. Some sources say that nearly 50% of the population of Palawan is Muslim (mostly concentrated in the southern part of the province). Palawan also has many Buddhists and some notable Buddhist temples, like Chùa Vạn Pháp (a Vietnamese temple). There are about 52 languages and dialects spoken in the province. Tagalog is spoken by more than 50% of the population. Other languages spoken include Cuyonon, Hiligaynon, and Palawano. Clearly, Palawan is a diverse island! Famous Attractions in Palawan Conde Nast Traveler is an award-winning US travel magazine. In CNT’s 2015 Reader’s Choice Awards, Palawan was voted the “World’s Best Island.” No wonder! Palawan is famous for its dozens of beautiful beaches, endless…
Oct
Shopping in Manila: The Top 11 Malls
Your Guide to Shopping in Manila Shopping in Manila isn’t quite like shopping anywhere else! Manila offers up some of the most exciting shopping experiences in Southeast Asia. Giant “megamalls” are the norm here, and they’re open 7 days a week (except on a few religous holidays). The malls usually open their doors at 10 or 11 in the morning, so you can get an early start on your shopping in Manila. The malls of Manila are found pretty close to each other, and they contain pretty similar stores, so if you just need to pick up something basic any one will do. They differ radically in ambiance though, so if you’re looking to have a shopping spree or make a day of your shopping outing, give this list a browse. We’ve rounded up the Top 11 Malls for Shopping in Manila: 1. SM Mall of Asia A sprawling supermall SM Mall of Asia (simply known as “MOA” by the locals) is the 4th-largest shopping mall in the Philippines, and the 11th-largest shopping mall in the entire world! Located in Bay City, Pasay, MOA opened in 2006. At that point it was the 1st-largest shopping mall in the world. A large LED globe display on the roundabout welcomes shoppers to MOA when they arrive. MOA is a collection of four buildings joined together by walkways: the main mall (shopping and dining establishments), the entertainment mall (a 2-storey complex facing Manila Bay), and the North and South Parking Buildings (together they have 5,000 parking spaces). The store selection is similar to that found in most SM Supermalls, but MOA’s main attraction is its cinemas! MOA is the first mall in the Philippines to feature an IMAX Theater—and it’s one of the largest IMAX Theaters in the world. The array of cinemas also includes the Director’s Club (an exclusive theater with 30 La-Z Boy chairs) the Premiere Cinema, and the CenterStage Cinema (used for live performances and concerts). Apart from these special theaters, MOA also houses 6 regular cinemas. MOA is so much more than a mall. Besides stores and cinemas, it features: An Olympic-sized ice-skating rink—the biggest in all of Southeast Asia. It accommodates both competitive and recreational ice skating, plus ice hockey. In 2007 it was even the venue for Skate Asia. Concert grounds A ferris wheel called “The Mall of Asia Eye” One Esplanade (a party and event venue) An indoor arena called “The Mall of Asia Arena” with a whopping capacity of 20,000—it’s sometimes used as the venue for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). EXPLOREUM Science Center, the first center of its kind in the world. EXPLOREUM features a digital planetarium and a diverse range of exhibits in the field of science and technology. SMX Convention Center—the country’s largest privately run exhibition and convention center with a 6,000 seating capacity. SM Mall of Asia on TripAdvisor 2. SM Megamall The fourth-largest mall in the world Image courtesy of travelbox.ph SM Megamall is located in the Ortigas business district of Metro Manila, in Mandaluyong City. SM Megamall consists of 5 shopping buildings: Building A, Building B, Building C, Mega Atrium, and Mega Fashion Mall (Mega D). If that sounds massive compared to the malls you’re used to, that’s because it is! The supermall is the second-largest shopping mall in the Philippines and the fourth largest in the entire world, occupying a land area of approximately 10 hectares (5,451,220 sq ft). SM Megamall opened its doors in 1991 and went down in history for having the first ice skating rink in a mall. In 2009, the skating rink was removed…
Oct
Top 16 Cheap Hotels in Manila, Philippines
Top 16 Cheap Hotels in Manila There are lots of reasons to look for cheap hotels in Manila. Maybe you’re a backpacker looking to experience the best of Manila on a shoestring budget. Maybe Manila is just a stopover in your tour of the nature and beaches of the Philippines. Maybe you’re a digital nomad looking to set up shop in Manila for a while without spending a fortune. Whatever the case may be, you have plenty of awesome options for cheap hotels in Manila! We know you’re busy, so we’ve pulled together a list of the Top 16 Cheap Hotels in Manila. Any of these spots are sure to please, with prime locations and convenient amenities. Enjoy! 1. Our Melting Pot Image courtesy of www.hotelscombined.com The vibe at Our Melting Pot is inspired by the backpacker hostels of Europe. The cozy common area gives travelers the opportunity to foster friendships, connect, and network. Our Melting Pot offers air-conditioned private rooms and dormitories. The dorms’ bunk beds have privacy curtains for when you need a little ‘me time’. Private rooms offer Internet access and cable TV. The hostel is steeped in Filipino culture, with favorite local events like karaoke nights and Friday Student Nights. They have a rooftop area, a mini library, a pool table, mini supermarket, a business center with desktop computers, foosball, darts, and board games. There’s 24-hour reception, 24-hour security, laundry facilities, and daily housekeeping Address: 4/F Mavenue Building, 7844 Makati Avenue corner Guerrero Street, Poblacion, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila Phone: (02) 659 5443 2. Makati Junction Hostel Makati Junction Hostel is known for its very distinctive, vibrant, industrial-inspired interiors. This is a multifunctional hostel—it not only serves as a hostel, but it also stands as a café, a bar, a co-working space, and a roaring art scene. The hostel hosts live musical performances, art exhibits, food events, tours, and even pop-up thrift shops. There’s a lot of fun to be had! Tourists, creative folks, and entrepreneurs gather under the hostel’s quirky light installations to work, make friends, and plot adventures. There are plenty of beds and spaces to choose from: private rooms, co-ed dorms, and female dorms. Address: Annex Matheus bldg. General Luna St. cor., Don Pedro, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila Phone: (02) 501 6575 3. Hostel Malvar Image courtesy of www.asiatravel.com Hostel Malavar will suit anyone seeking elegant ambience. The building’s warm lighting and wooden flooring will make for a relaxing, cozy stay. It’s located just a 10 minute walk from the Baywalk (a seaside promenade overlooking Manila Bay) and a 45 minute drive from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Hostel Malvar has a business center as well, ideal for independent traveling workers. Their rooms—a total of 21— are air-conditioned with en suite bathrooms, cable TV, a minibar, and room service. The hostel has free wifi and a café serving daily Filipino dishes. They also provide laundry and dry cleaning services. Address: Malvar Street, Manila, Metro Manila Phone: (02) 528 1000 4. MNL Boutique Hostel Image courtesy of MNL Boutique Hostel Facebook page MNL Boutique Hostel proudly offers “hotel grade comfort” at very budget-friendly prices. It’s known for being clean, wholesome, very hospitable, and steeped in Filipino culture and tradition. The hostel has become super popular among backpackers because the staff are so determined to provide you with an enjoyable stay in Manila. MNL Boutique Hostel has both private rooms and dorms, with heated power rain showers, air-conditioner, TV, free breakfast, and a self-catering kitchen. It’s located just a stone throw’s away from the Central Business District, so you can conveniently reach all the malls,…